Temptations

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 NKJV

What are you consenting to in your life?  What or who is enticing you to sin?

In your work are you tempted to:

·         Gossip or listen to gossip about other co-workers?

·         Lie by distorting or stretching the truth in your reports?

·         Be lazy by not doing your work?

·         Steal company time by arriving late, taking long lunches, and leaving early?

In your home life are you tempted to:

·         Be preoccupied with your own interests you neglect your family?

·         Slack off on doing your chores?

·         Speak unkind words to one another?

·         Be critical and judgmental of your family members?

In your mind are you tempted to:

·         Think only about yourself and getting your way done?

·         Listen to lying thoughts such as “I deserve better”, “I’m no good”, and “Nobody really loves me”?

·         Refuse to think about God and His Word?

·         Be anxious, troubled and worried about everything?

At school are you tempted to:

·         Cheat on a test you didn’t study for?

·         Skip a class you don’t like?

·         Avoid people who are different from you?

·         Not do your homework?

We are all tempted in many ways.  Just remember it is not a sin to be tempted. It’s how we respond to the temptation that determines whether it is sin or not.  Jesus was tempted yet without sin. 

How did Jesus counter sin?  Read Luke 4:1-13.  He quoted scripture to remind Satan of truth.  He submitted to authority of God and resisted the devil.  He knew His purpose and His position and stood firm.

We can use the same three tactics to overcome our temptations:

1.       Use the mighty Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

2.      Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

3.      Remember you are a child of God.  Nothing can separate you from the love of God.

We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.  He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  “Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world,” Jesus said.

Lord, thank you for not leaving us helpless against our enemy.  Thank you for your godly armor to protect us.  Thank you for your mighty Word of Truth.  Help us to use these tools of righteousness as our shield, defense and guide for life.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.